AFC East best teams by position
By Brian Miller
LINEBACKERS
New York Jets
Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets have a very good defensive line and their linebackers are just as good. Quentin Coples and Calvin Pace will line up on the outside while David Harris and Damario Davis man the middle. Pace has settled in to the Jets defense after not living up to expectations earlier after being added as a free agent. David Harris was set to hit the free agency market in 2015 but the Jets brought him back to man the middle of the defense and Coples is one of the more consistent outside linebackers in the NFL.
New England Patriots
Sep 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is sacked by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots defensive front may not be as good as the other AFC East teams but their linebacker group is very solid. Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins man the outside while Jerod Mayo takes the middle. Mayo is one of the best defensive players on the Patriots roster but health has been an issue at times. When healthy he is all over the place and equally good against the pass and the run. The Patriots linebackers more than anything are consistent and productive and one of the unsung reasons for the teams success in 2014.
Dolphins and Bills
The Dolphins have a young and upcoming linebacker group. Chris McCain gets his first chance at starting a full season and Jelani Jenkins, the teams 2014 surprise player will man the other outside spot. The question is the middle where Koa Misi returns for a 2nd season at the position but is being challenged by Kelvin Sheppard making the position a question mark at this time. The Bills are not much different where youth will be a key next to seven year veteran Quentin Groves.